Top 5 Thermos Containers for School Lunches

A good thermos can be a lifesaver when it comes to packing a healthy school lunch. Finding the right container? Not so easy.

In this post, you’ll find 5 thermos containers that will help you utilize leftovers and pack lunches like a pro!

We know there are lots of thermos containers out there of different materials. All the recommended thermoses are double-walled, stainless steel. While some plastic “thermoses” exist, none hold the food both warm or cold as well as stainless steel. Don’t waste your money, stainless steel is the way to go (in our humble opinion).

#1 Thermos Foogo

Features & Price

• Holds 10 ounces (a little less than a 1.5 cups) of food.
• Double-wall insulation perfect for hot and cold foods.
• Keeps food hot for up to 5 hours.
• Keeps food cold for up to 7 hours.
• KID-FRIENDLY. The rubberized grip on the lid makes it easier to open and the rubberized bottom keeps it in place.
• Durable. It’s stainless steel, no need to say more.
• Easy to fill and eat out of and not too deep.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Some schools require solid colors (without characters) and bigger kids might want a solid container.
• $15-$18.
• Buy the Thermos Foogo here
• Personalize the Thermos Foogo with your child’s name here.

Check out our top 5 lunch boxes comparison post here.

#2 Thermos Funtainer

Features & Price

• Holds 10 ounces (a little less than a 1.5 cups) of food.
• Double-wall insulation perfect for hot and cold foods.
• Keeps food hot for up to 5 hours.
• Keeps food cold for up to 7 hours.
• KID-FRIENDLY & easy to open.
• Durable. It’s stainless steel, no need to say more.
• Easy to fill and eat out of and not too deep.
• Dishwasher safe.
• Comes in a couple of solid colors (often sold out) and tons of licensed characters kids love.
• $15
• Buy the Thermos Funtainer here

#3 Lunchbots Insulated Container

Features & Price

• Holds 16 ounces (2 cups) of food, perfect for bigger appetites!
• Double-wall insulation perfect for hot and cold foods.
• Keeps food hot for up to 5 hours.
• Keeps food cold for up to 5 hours.
• The widest opening (like a bowl) makes it easy for younger kids to get to the food, however, also harder to open for small hands with the wide grip.
• Durable. It’s stainless steel, no need to say more.
• Easy to fill and eat out of and not too deep.
• Handwash only.
• Comes in 4 colors.
• $36
• Buy the Lunchbots Insulated Container here

Check out this post to see how long it’s safe to keep food hot in a thermos

#4 Stanley Classic Food Jar

Features & Price

• Holds 17 ounces (2+ cups) of food, perfect for bigger appetites!
• Double-wall insulation perfect for hot and cold foods.
• Keeps food hot for up to 12 hours. This is the best performing container in our tests.
• Keeps food cold for up to 12 hours.
• Leakproof and fully packable.
• Durable with a lifetime warranty.
• The smaller opening might be a little harder for young kids to get food out.
• Handwash only.
• Limited color selection.
• $22-$26
• Buy the Stanley Classic Food Jar here

#5 Kids Konserve Insulated Jar

Features & Price

• Holds 12 ounces (1.5 cups) of food
• Double-wall insulation perfect for hot and cold foods.
• Leakproof and fully packable.
• Durable, made of stainless steel.
• The smaller opening might be a little harder for young kids to get food out.
• Handwash only.
• Limited color selection.
• $15-17
• Buy the Kids Konserve Insulated Jar here

BONUS Edition! Minimal Food Jar V2

• Hold up to 17 ounces (2 cups) of food.
• Lightweight design, made with 18/8 stainless steel. High durable.
• KID-FRIENDLY
• Wide opening, foldable stainless steel spoon, soup bowl, large silicone handle
• Free of BPA.
• Keep items hot/cold for up to 8 hours!
• Leak-proof.
• Comes in several fun colors.
• $28.80 – Get 10% off any food jar from Minimal with my code: FOOD10
• Buy the Minimal Food Jar V2 here

Need some delicious ideas to pack into these thermoses? I’ve got just what you need in the 101 Packed Lunches eBook. You’ll find recipes for soups and hearty hot lunches the entire family will love.